Princeton Library Lounge

For as long as I can remember, Olympic athletes have been like rock stars to me. I am in awe of their accomplishments—the focus, dedication and skill are truly remarkable. Here at Princeton Public Library, several Olympic rowers regularly use our facility, so I am even more over-the-top excited that ever before. Despite the politics, the pollution, and the ethical questions surrounding the games—I have Olympic Fever!

During the last Olympics, I participated in the 'Knitting Olympics'. This was a 'competition' promoted by the Yarn Harlot, in which you cast-on a knitting project during the opening ceremonies and complete it by the closing event. I chose an ambitious sweater with an intricate cable pattern. I did well until around day 14, when I noticed a mistake about 50 rows back—that was it, my agony of defeat. I was crushed—I could not meet Olympic standards while sitting on my couch. I vowed I would return.

Two years later (yes, I can compete in both the Winter and Summer games...I mean come on, my Olympic glory is all my own!), I am ready to push myself even further. Yes, after hours of training, planning, and strategy sessions, I am about to embark on my first Triathlon!

Ok, I will admit it—I am a librarian, not an athlete. Therefore, my Triathlon will have no running, no swimming and minimal biking.

Here is my plan—starting August 8, I pledge:
1. Knit the Drifting Pleats scarf from "Knitting new scarves : 27 distinctly modern designs" by Lynne Barr (New Non-Fiction, Non-F 746.432 Bar);
2. Read 'Team of Rivals', by Doris Kearns Goodwin (Book Group Collection, Non-F 973.709 Goo).
3. Walk and/or Bike for 45 Minutes each day.

The scarf is a reasonable size project so that even with mistakes, I should be able to complete it. It uses techniques that are new to me and very challenging to give it that extra 'Olympic' feel.

'Team of Rivals' is a chunky non-fiction work that I have long wanted to read, but didn't feel I had the time. At 754 pages not including notes, I will need to read around 50 pages a day—challenging, but certainly possible. I have been wanting to increase my non-fiction reading and this is a good way to give myself a kick-start.

By far, the hardest part will be the physical exercise—I hate it, but hey this is the Olympics. I felt I should push myself physically (and lifting the big non-fiction book just did not seem enough). So if around August 22/23 you see a crazed woman wandering the streets of Princeton, yarn trailing behind her, nose stuck in a big book—fear not, it is just a case of Olympic Fever!

Submitted by Cynthia Lambert, Reference and Adult Services.